DD Next Level Review: Is the Script Cutting Edge or Disappointing?

“Devil’s Double: Next Level” revolves around film critic Krishna (played by Santhanam), who usually reviews movies on the YouTube channel ‘Kissa 47’. He receives a mysterious invitation from director Hitchcock Irudhayaraj (Selvaraghavan), to watch a movie with his family. However, things take a dark turn when it’s revealed that Irudhayaraj is actually a vengeful spirit that targets film critics.

Krishna is pulled into the movie itself as a character, where he discovers his family trapped as part of the fictional storyline, and his girlfriend missing. As he navigates this eerie world, he must uncover the mystery and escape. Meanwhile, Santhanam’s take on a hip-hop style reviewer character feels disconnected despite attempts at being different through voice modulation and body language.

The movie uses clever visuals and impressive cinematography by Deepak Kumar Padhy, especially the scenes inside Cinema Paradise and a ship setting. VFX and editing by Bharat Vikraman are composed well, although the second half feels unnecessarily long. The Afro-inspired music does not meet expectations despite the rapper character angle.

Comedic elements are hit-or-miss, with forced Telugu-speaking jokes and unnecessary toilet humor taking away from the experience. Selvaraghavan and Gautham Menon’s extended cameos as ghosts feel more like costume parodies. While the film offers technical brilliance and attempts innovation, it struggles with narrative pacing and viewer engagement in the latter half.

Despite its unique ideas and visual thrills, the film misses out on delivering consistent humor and emotional connection, making it feel like the audience too is trapped within the story.